The 7 Best Code Review Tools for Developers in 2023 (Ranked)

The 7 Best Code Review Tools for Developers in 2023

Introduction: 

Code reviews are an essential part of the software development process, ensuring high-quality code and fostering collaboration among developers. In 2023, the landscape of code review tools has evolved significantly to cater to the diverse needs of developers and development teams. In this article, we will explore the seven best code review tools that have gained popularity and are widely used in 2023.

1. GitHub Code Review: 

 

 VISIT

GitHub remains a dominant platform for hosting and collaborating on software projects. Its built-in code review tools make it a top choice for developers. The pull request system facilitates seamless review processes, enabling team members to provide feedback, comment on specific lines of code, and approve or reject changes easily. The integration with CI/CD tools and extensive repository management features make GitHub Code Review a powerful and popular option.

2. GitLab Merge Requests:

 VISIT

 GitLab is another robust platform widely used for code hosting and collaboration. Its Merge Request feature provides developers with a straightforward code review process, similar to GitHub's pull requests. GitLab offers built-in continuous integration and delivery capabilities, making it a comprehensive solution for teams seeking an end-to-end development and code review platform.

3. Phabricator:

 VISIT

 Phabricator is an open-source code review tool that has gained popularity for its flexibility and extensibility. It supports various version control systems and offers an intuitive web-based interface for conducting code reviews. Phabricator also includes additional developer-oriented features like task management, project management, and a built-in wiki, making it a comprehensive development platform.

4. Review Board: 

VISIT

Review Board is a developer-friendly code review tool that focuses on ease of use and efficiency. It supports Git, Mercurial, Subversion, and Perforce repositories. The tool emphasizes minimizing friction in the review process and offers a simple web-based interface. Additionally, Review Board allows users to attach screenshots and images to reviews, making it useful for design-oriented projects.

5. Crucible:

 VISIT

 Crucible, from Atlassian, complements their popular development tools like Jira and Bitbucket. It offers a collaborative peer review process, supporting code reviews for Git, Mercurial, and Subversion repositories. With its integration with Jira, developers can associate code reviews with issues and track the progress more effectively. Crucible's detailed reporting and analytics make it an excellent choice for teams focused on continuous improvement.

6. Collaborator:

 

 VISIT

Collaborator is a code review tool designed to enhance team collaboration and streamline the review process. It supports multiple version control systems, including Git, Subversion, and Perforce. Collaborator provides flexible review templates and customizable checklists to tailor the code review process according to the team's specific needs. It also integrates with popular development tools, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows.

7. Gerrit: 

VISIT

Gerrit is a powerful code review tool built primarily for Git repositories. It offers advanced features like fine-grained access controls, automated testing integration, and a robust plugin system. Gerrit's focus on code quality and the ability to handle large-scale projects has made it a preferred choice for several open-source communities and organizations.

Which tool is best for beginners?

For beginners, the best code review tool would be one that is user-friendly, easy to set up, and has a straightforward interface. Among the tools mentioned in the article, GitHub Code Review and GitLab Merge Requests stand out as particularly beginner-friendly options.

GitHub Code Review: 

GitHub's code review process is built around pull requests, which are easy to create and manage. The web-based interface provides an intuitive way to view and discuss changes in the code. GitHub also offers extensive documentation and a large community, making it easy for beginners to find resources, ask questions, and learn from others. Additionally, GitHub is widely used in the open-source community, giving beginners the opportunity to explore and contribute to various projects.

GitLab Merge Requests: 

Similar to GitHub, GitLab's Merge Requests provide a simple and familiar code review workflow. GitLab's user interface is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, making it easier for beginners to navigate and understand the review process. GitLab also offers built-in continuous integration and delivery features, allowing beginners to explore automated testing and deployment practices seamlessly.

Ultimately, the best tool for beginners might depend on the preferences and existing familiarity of the individual developer or development team. Both GitHub and GitLab offer free plans for public repositories, making it easy for beginners to get started without any cost. Therefore, beginners can try both platforms and decide which one fits their needs and workflow better.

Remember, the primary goal for beginners is to learn and gain experience in the code review process, so it's essential to choose a tool that facilitates this learning process and encourages collaboration among team members.

Conclusion:

 In 2023, developers have access to a wide range of code review tools that cater to different preferences and requirements. The seven tools discussed in this article—GitHub Code Review, GitLab Merge Requests, Phabricator, Review Board, Crucible, Collaborator, and Gerrit—have established themselves as the best options for conducting effective and efficient code reviews. As the development landscape evolves, these tools will likely continue to evolve and improve to meet the ever-changing needs of developers and development teams.